Type: Residency and Exhibition Opportunity
Posted by: Sanford Underground Research Facility, Artist-in-Residence Program.
Application Deadline: November 1, 2021
Applicants are invited to apply for the 2022 Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) Artist-in-Residence (AiR) program in Lead, South Dakota.
Purpose:
The purpose of the SURF AiR program is to invite artists to create work inspired by the Sanford Underground Research Facility (SURF) set in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota. SURF’s unique location and history make it an ideal place for creative work. SURF is the deepest underground laboratory in the United States, reaching nearly a mile below the surface. It houses experiments in physics, biology, geology, and engineering. This site is also the home of the former Homestake Gold Mine. The SURF AiR program leverages the unique characteristics of SURF and the science experiments it hosts to create awareness and encourage interdisciplinary work. This residency is modeled after various programs offered by government, science and industry including the National Park Service, CERN, and Fermilab.
Overview:
The SURF AiR includes a four-week on-site visit during the summer of 2022 and a one-week art installation/guest lecture visit during the fall of 2022. Timeframes for the visits will be determined by each artist’s schedule in coordination with SURF (please note, available dates for the summer visit are between May 22-July 31 and the fall installation/guest lecture visit is scheduled for October). The SURF AiR Program includes the following for the artist: transportation in the form of airfare, rental car or mileage, housing and per diem for both visits. The artist will have access to a studio space. The program includes tours of above and below ground facilities. SURF will provide a guide for all onsite activities at the Lab at all times. The artist will also be given required safety training and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) which will be provided on loan while on site. SURF will provide the artist with a stipend of $5,000 paid in two installments over the course of the residency. The artist can apply for up to $5,000 in additional funds to be used for the creation of the artwork.
The artist will have an art exhibition and up to two lectures based on the artist’s proposal during the fall of 2022. In addition to the lectures, each artist will provide promotional or outreach events within the local community. SURF will work with the artist to establish and schedule these events. This may include working with local schools and universities, interviews and/or documentation of the residency. Each artist will donate at least one piece of artwork to the Lab to be included in the SURF permanent art collection, this artwork will be selected by a representative of the Lab. SURF will make arrangements for the exhibition location. The artist will be responsible for installation and de-installation of the artwork (in coordination with SURF and the exhibition space). SURF will cover the cost of return shipping up to $7,000.
Working underground requires that the artist is comfortable in dark spaces and follows safety protocol. The artist must also be able to walk on uneven surfaces for at least a mile at a time, for emergency purposes. Travel underground entails taking an elevator ride in the dark as well as negotiating wet conditions and slippery surfaces. A guide is required and will be with the artist at all times while at SURF.
A timeline and expectations will be agreed upon before the residency begins. An MOU will be drafted and signed by the artist and SURF.
